Sunday, June 28, 2015

Friday, June 26, 2015

I'm celebrating big because the Vintage Yard Sale USA website is almost finished!

This has been a work in progress and I appreciate my designer Go Coconuts Designs for her patience with me through all of the changes. I want this to be perfect! I'm ready to light this vintage world up! In honor of the website completion I'll be shooting off some fireworks! Check out the new website I found where you can purchase your fireworks on-line and pick up in Utah County. I wrote a post about it here.

One of my favorite things about summer is the holidays…in Utah we are lucky and get to celebrate twice: Independence Day and Pioneer Day!

We do an annual celebration in our neighborhood with BBQs, music and of course, FIREWORKS! I'm always looking for a super deal on fireworks because the bigger the display, the better the party, right? There is nothing better than kicking back in a comfy chair, a cool drink in hand and watching an amazing light show. My kids are older now so I put them in charge of the fireworks. I'm happy as long as I can get my own box of sparklers and snakes.

I’m trying a new way of buying fireworks this year. I heard about this guy who sells fireworks on-line. He lives right here in Utah County and he’ll even deliver for just $5 bucks. You can also order on-line and pick up your fireworks directly from him. He's got a good thing going. He can offer lower prices by cutting out the middle man, aka, the fireworks stands. By not selling through a stand, he avoids paying rent, hiring someone to run the booth, and gives the savings directly back to me, the consumer. He’s got a cool little video that explains his business…I think it’s brilliant. No more lines in the hot sun. No more children begging me for more and more fireworks, drooling on the bright colored packages while I watch my bill go higher and higher. By ordering on-line I'll save money, and with my savings be able to splurge and get some extras.

This guy guarantees everything. He takes pride in his product. He wants you to have a great experience using his fireworks and will replace anything that doesn’t go off as it should. He also wants you to come back, to be a regular customer and to build his reputation as "the guy" to get your fireworks from. Note: Something I found out to be very useful: if you order in May for your annual parties, you can get his wholesale price! I'm gonna plan ahead and do that for next year's party!

I can’t wait to give this a try and I’ll be sure and post photos of our big neighborhood party. I have great ideas for hosting a vintage Red, White and Blue spectacular, what to feed the crowds and how to decorate. I can’t wait for the fireworks show this year! It's gonna be the best one ever!

Have a safe and happy Fourth of July and Pioneer Day! I'll keep you posted here on when the site is up and running!

You don't have to spray the wood first, but I wanted that color to peek through.

Next I simply laid the washi tape across in strips and around the edges with some little scisscors that can get into the tight corners. So easy and look what I hung it on? The frame we made at my Power Tools Retreat! This project is a quick and fun one!

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Next Retreat Date: September 17 - 20, 2015Creative End to Summer Getaway Retreat****This is a non-hosted retreat

Dates: September 17 - 20, 2015

$145 per person(Must be 18 or older to attend)Includes 4 days/3 nights and the following...

Day One: Check in at 4:00 pmGet settled in your sweet roomBring your own twin sheet and towelIntroductionsMeet & GreetDinner at a local restaurantDay Two:Let the Crafting Begin!Bring your own projects, tools and supplies to work onMeals are not provided. You can purchase groceries in town and store them in the refrigerator. You are welcome to use the gourmet kitchen to cook your meals or grab a bite to eat in town.

Day Three:Spend a day out on the townShoppingThriftingSpa OptionsCraftingRelaxing at the Retreat HouseBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner are on your own

Day Four:Check out at 12:00 noonPack Up, Everyone helps with cleaning the house and laundry (if any)Breakfast on your ownGoodbyes

The Non-Hosted retreats are a great way to get away for the weekend at a reduced rate.To sign up, click "Upcoming Retreats" over on the left hand side of the blog and scroll down to the PayPal payment option and reserve your space now!If you have any questions, please email me at reclaimyourselfretreat@gmail.comHeber, Midway and Park City are full of great shopping, restaurants and beautiful sites! Come join me for an adventure and celebrate the last bit of summer!

Get your craft on...bring all your supplies and unfinished projects and get them done.
Or just hang out!

Monday, June 1, 2015

I'm so appreciative of my Mom for her support in all I do! She brought my family dinner two nights in a row during the two days I was running crazy getting ready for the yard sale! I know she loves me because she made one of my favorites...potato salad. Sure, you can get potato salad at Costco, at a deli, at the grocery store, but if you've had my Mom's, you'll never buy packaged potato salad again. She's letting me share her recipe and her tip to make your potato salad taste as good as hers! Try it out at your summer BBQ's, graduation parties and events!

Recipe:Place your eggs in a pan of cold water and slowly bring them to a boil. Once they've come to a boil, remove from the heat, cover and let sit 25 minutes. Run cold water over the eggs to cool them and for easier peeling. Once cooled, slice into big chunks.While eggs are cooling, place unpeeled potatoes into a pot. Fill your pot about half way with water and cook until potatoes are tender. Let the potatoes cool then peel then cut into small cubes.Combine:1 cup of the mayonnaise, 2 tsp of ketchup and 1 tsp of mustard. Add a few teaspoons of the pickle juice from the jar and mix all together. Add your green onion, radishes, celery and eggs. Depending on how much sauce you like in your potato salad, you can add more mayo, ketchup or mustard. The pickle juice is what makes it taste so good!Stir the above ingredients into the potatoes and turn until all of the potatoes are covered. If your potatoes need more mayo, add a little extra mayo, ketchup, mustard and pickle juice to the mix. Add a little salt & pepper for taste. Sprinkle cashews on top for some good crunch and serve!

Disclaimer: My Mom makes this without a recipe so ingredient amounts may vary. The most important thing she says is that pickle juice!